The City of Malaga is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. With a mild climate, beautiful beaches, and mountains to the north of the city, it is a wonderful setting for relaxation, amusement, and adventures. Visitors to the city will not want to miss some of its most outstanding sights.

The 15th Century Castles of Alcazaba and Gibralfaro were built by the Moors to protect the city from invaders. The easiest to visit is Alcazaba, as Gibralfaro is on a steep hill. Both are open for tours and offer, in addition to the buildings themselves, wonderful views of the city. The Alcazaba also contains an interesting archaeological museum.

Pablo Picasso was born in the Port of Malaga, and visitors can see his birthplace that is full of interesting objects from his childhood and some of his paintings. The Picasso Museum displays more of the artist’s paintings.

In the heart of the city is the 16th Century Cathedral de Malaga. Originally meant to have two towers, lack of funds ended in only one, and city residents call it La Manquita (“one-armed woman”) today. The cathedral contains beautiful choir stalls of mahogany and cedar and 40 carved statues of the saints behind each stall that were carved by one of Spain’s most famous wood-carvers of the time, Pedro de Mena.

The Interactive Museum of Music holds one of Europe’s largest collections of musical instruments. The Centro de Arte Contemporaneo, located in what was a wholesale trade market, contains works of modern art where guided interpretive tours are available.

A bike tour of the Port of Malaga is a great way to learn about the city and enjoy its beautiful climate. The bicycles will allow you to ride through the city’s tiny streets and hidden plaza that other won’t see.

The El Pimpi tavern is famous for the local wine they serve. The wine contains a lot of alcohol, so don’t be fooled by its sweet taste. A favorite spot for locals, its walls are lined with pictures of the famous people that have visited the tavern.

Of course, the Port of Malaga’s beaches are perfect for sunbathing. Nearest to the city is the La Malagueta, although there are quieter and prettier beaches to the east.

The Port of Malaga also offers several Moroccan tea houses that serve a huge variety of teas and other non-alcoholic drinks. They are a relaxing alternative to the city’s bars.

As the “capital” of Spain’s Sun Coast (Costa del Sol), the Port of Malaga has a varied and exciting nightlife. The town is full of nightclubs, music bars, and fine restaurants that will keep you occupied well into the night!

Travelers who want to visit the Port of Malaga by sea will find a long list of scheduled cruises on the Cruise Compete website.